The Rockstar Reviewer (Rambling Man's Reviews)

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Showing posts from April, 2021

SONG OF THE DAY : AARON ROSS AND THE PEACH LEAVES- CATCH A GLIMPSE

Artwork courtesy of Ben Ross Words by Anselm Anderson Folk act Aaron Ross and The Peach Leaves have released their debut single "Catch A Glimpse" today (April 30th), taken from the forthcoming album Swan Songs: Volume 1 via Dowd Records The album features legendary native singer Aaron Ross and sees Nevada City band Farrow and The Peach Leaves covering tracks from his vast Catalogue. "Catch A Glimpse" is the first from this eagerly-anticipated collection, produced by drummer Zach Peach. The beautifully arranged folk song is steeped full of nostalgic charm and sweet melodies. The Rolling Stones-influenced tender vocals are matched by a strong rhythm section. The simple guitar patterns are relaxed, against a warm and touching ambiance. Aaron Ross has been a mainstay in the industry since his time with math rock band Hella, with a constant penchant for innovation since releasing The Hallelujah Side in 2003. Lead singer Graham Farrow Knibb says of Ross," “If yo...

ALBUM OF THE WEEK- MOTORHEAD- LOUDER THAN NOISE- LIVE IN BERLIN 2012

Words by Anselm Anderson The legendary hellraisers Motorhead recently released the live album Louder Than Noise-Live In Berlin via Silver Lining Music on April 23rd. The performance was recorded on December 5th, 2012 in front of 12,000 fans at the Berlin Velodrome as part of the Kings of The Road tour. The Lineup for this special occasion featured the longest reigning in the band's history with the late "Lemmy" Kilmister, guitarist Phil Campbell and drummer Mikkey Dee . The concert was produced by the much-revered producer Herwig Meyszne r ( Exodus, Kreator, Saxon). The album delivers twelve tracks of raucous rock 'n' roll, destined to blow your speakers out. The bone-rattling "I Know How to Die" opens proceedings with Lemmy declaring " WE ARE MOTORHEAD " to thunderous applause. The anthemic "Damage Case" continues festivities, alongside the rousing "Over The Top". Motorhead always knew how to play good old-fashion...

SONG OF THE DAY: NOT NOW NORMAN-SHUT YOUR MOUTH

Berwick-based rock act Not Now Norman released their latest single "Shut Your Mouth", this past Friday (April 9th). The single is the follow-up to the two hugely successful singles "Little Cheryl" and "Little Frankenstein". "Shut Your Mouth" explores the topic of Domestic Abuse, a subject examined in the recent Geo Moon collaboration "Run Boy". The song's theme is a guitar-driven rocker that drives home to the listener how much it means to lead singer Taylor-Grace, who delivers another lung-busting performance. Taylor has strong support in a band of talented musicians. The opening riff is mean and tenacious like a certain Thin Lizzy. This builds in tension, as unrestrained vocals repel against intense guitars and drumming that climaxes with a tantalizing solo. Not Now Norman has the tendency to write powerful songs about subject matters, such as this, through simple storytelling and musicianship. This makes each song feel r...

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: LAMB OF GOD- LAMB OF GOD (DELUXE EDITION)

Disc 1- Lamb Of God plus two bonus track s NWOAHM titans Lamb Of God recently re-released last year's critically acclaimed self-titled album last month via Epic Records. The three-disc deluxe edition features the original album, plus two bonus tracks, including a live stream performance of the full album recorded in September. The live CD + DVD features four additional tracks, including the new track "The Death Of Us" that appears in the latest installment of the Bill and Ted franchise. Randy Blythe growls his way through the twelve- politically charged tracks with the same poise and venom expected from the veteran singer. I shall take on the unenviable task of exploring both CDs in their entirety. The Gothic-inspired "Memento Mori" begins proceedings like a foreshadowing of the ferocity to come. Next up is the equally rousing "Checkmate" sees Blythe vent over " The American Scream " The track starts with a bluesy riff that erupts into d...

SONG REVIEW: LAURA CHEADLE- "EVERYBODY SAY"

Award-Winning R'N'B singer/songwriter Laura Cheadle recently released a new single "Everybody Say", from her forthcoming album Shine This Lifetime. The upbeat anthem was written by herself and James Cheadle, who also mixed, produced, and recorded the track at Swedesboro Music Studio in Swedesboro, NJ. Laura Cheadle is the lead singer of The Laura Cheadle Family Band. She has performed across the states, as well as featured heavily on primetime TV. Cheadle has opened for some of the biggest names in the business, such as The Jonas Brothers and John Oates of the Legendary Hall and Oates. The singer's accomplishments don't stop there, as she has recently appeared at NAMM 2020, as well as bestowed the honor with the Elephant Indie Music "Musician Of The Decade Award". "Everybody Say" is a happy-go-lucky slice of pop, gospel, and soul that will leave a skip in your beat. The opening cries of harmonies are accompanied by heartening beats. Ch...

ALBUM REVIEW: JACOPO PAUSA- MY FAVOURITE COLOUR IS BLUES

Blues guitarist Jacopo Pausa has returned with another delightful album in his second outing , My Favourite Colour is Blues, which was released on December 12th of last year. The follow-up to the 2019 debut , The Truth continues with the biographical perspective the album brought. Click Here to read the full review. This time Pausa has written and performed the instruments on the recordings based on his influences Albert King, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, B.B King, and Muddy Waters. My Favourite Colour Is Blues brings ten tracks soaked in the genre with all the craft, skill, and vibrancy as the first release. The opener "I Can't Take No More" is a groove-orientated track that sees Pausa singing over sharp guitar breaks, and using a quick fingerpicking technique to bring this song to life. Pausa has improved on his vocals with more surefire confidence to combine impressive guitar playing. Next up is the feisty rock 'n' roller "Out Of Trend",...

MUSIC REVIEW + INTERVIEW: KATIE DRIVES - MANIAC

Music Review- Katie Drives-Maniac Photo Credit: Felix Albertin German Singer/ songwriter Katie Drives released her debut single "Maniac" on April 9th. The singer discovered her passion for music early on while singing covers and working behind the scenes in the music industry. Katie decided to go into the studio during last year's lockdown with producer Ole Kuhlmann to record her first set of materials. Her sound is described as 2000s pop-rock influenced by acts such as Avril Lavigne , Paramore, and Pvris . "Maniac" is a guitar-driven track about how past experiences still affect you today. The opening synthesizers reflect a stark contrast to Drive's impassioned vocals. which soar over an edgy guitar sound. The singer's classical background help shape her voice and tone here. as her raw emotions are truly explored. Katie Drives hopes to release her debut EP "Fake Smiles" this August MUSIC INTERVIEW-KATIE DRIVES Hello, could you introduce y...

MUSIC INTERVIEW AND EP REVIEW: VILLINS- THE POWER

The Power EP Review New York's female-fronted duo Villins recently released their self-produced debut The Power on March 26th. The band, featuring Jesyka on vocals and guitarist/producer Kareem "Jesus" Devlin have forged a strong fanbase within their local district, since their inception in 2016, with appearances at The McKittrick Hotel (Home of Sleep No More), and on Adult Swim's Desperate Losers. The band's fun and energetic music mix commercial appeal with an edgy rock sound and disco beats. The four-track EP was produced by the band at the Villins HQ during the NYC Covid lockdown last year. The band's unique and dynamic approach to production and songwriting is none more apparent than in the opener "Lightgiver". The slick production combines mesmerizing electric programming with the duo's tight and creative chemistry to publish a song that could very well be a radio hit. Lead Vocalist Jesyka comes across with a warm and innocuous charm on...

ALBUM OF THE WEEK: M.E.M.E- LE DOMANDE DOPO

Italian progressive rockers' M.E.M.E ( Musical Examples of Modern Experiments) released debut album Le Domande Dopo on April 2nd. The quartet produced the album themselves but was halted due to the recent lockdown. Thankfully, the band returned to the studio to finish what they started. The band formed over their common interests in Trap Music and internet culture. They mix 70s progressive influences with psychedelic rock stylings and electronica. The band formed in 2015 in a Western Rome garage by guitarist Fregia$ and the drummer Papy, who were subsequently joined by vocalist Condor and bassist Brock This nine-track EP features the evolution of this exciting act through elements of electric music, rock, and rap. The opener "Aroma 2.0" is a reference to the band's history. The primary techno pads build tension to a sombre bridge, before exploding into rap verses. The track features subtle reggae beats in the instrumental with the juxtaposition between Italian and...

SONG OF THE DAY- CHRIS MORENO- SOMEBODY NEW

Country artist Chris Moreno recently released the new single "Somebody New"on February 26th, as a follow up to last year's "Used to This", which was featured heavily on various curated Spotify Playlists, much to the attention of Press outlets everywhere. Moreno is another staple of the Nashville diet, having surpassed 75k listeners through Spotify, as well as forging a loyal fanbase with up to 500 shows played across the States. "Somebody New" is an enchanting tale about heartbreak, and struggling to move on when in love with somebody else. Moreno delivers a heart-rendering performance, as his melodious vocals soar over simple acoustic guitar strums. Moreno sounds like an empathetic character, as he addresses his struggles with love, loss and hopelessness through a melancholic ambience Moreno paints an all too familiar picture of love and the ramifications of feeling it. "Somebody New" acts like the anthem for all those sorrowful cherubs st...

SONG OF THE DAY- TARAH WHO? - ILLUSION OF FREEDOM

Photo by Maria Quintana. LA-based Tarah Who? re-emerge with another engaging single "Illusion Of Freedom", released on April 2nd via Unleashed Music. It's the follow up to the popular "Manners", which has been met with worldwide acclaim. The track is based on the lead singer, Tarah, G, Carpenter's own personal experiences with immigration following her arrival from France. Tarah co-produced "Illusion Of Freedom with Jason Ome. "Illusion Of Freedom" is another slice of up-tempo punk with thought-provoking lyrics...and a lot of attitudes! The track begins with another signature groove-orientated riff, courtesy of Carpenter segues into jagged vocals. Carpenter sounds like a defiant woman in the face of an adversary with the chorus acting as a statement. The dynamic guitars and edgy music underlie an issue close to Carpenter's heart. Carpenter explains of Freedom’ " Whether I was in France and friends with people who were trying to get...

MUSIC INTERVIEW- NWOBHM ACT RAVEN DISCUSS "METAL CITY", TOURING AND NWOBHM

PHOTO CREDIT: PRESS NWOBHM legends Raven recently released their latest album "Metal City". This February, the band were due to embark on a European tour with Kill Ritual, Crystal Viper and Wolf, but the pandemic put a halt to that. I spoke with frontman John Gallagher about the new album, the postponed dates, and what it was like to come through during the NWOBHM era. Good Morning, how have you and the band been during this pandemic? Hi! We are hanging in as they say...working on a number of upcoming projects.. I’ve been steadily writing new material as well as putting out my “ bass noodles” every day on Facebook! Raven released their most recent album "Metal City" last year, how has the overall response to it been? The album felt like a throwback to old school basics, was that your intentions going into making the album? The reaction has been pretty amazing actually.. the best reviews we have had in forever... but more importantly the fans really “ get” it. We ...

ALBUM OF THE WEEK- RIVER RISE BAND- THE RIGHT PATH

Words By Anselm Anderson Brazilian hard rockers River Rise Band released their much-anticipated debut album The Right Path on March 19th. The duo, hailing from Curitiba, Brazil, consists of vocalist Juliana Von Muhlen and guitarist Marcio Arend. The 10-track LP was composed, recorded, and produced in the couple's home studio last summer. They combine soulful melodies, dynamic riffs, and a little touch of the blues for this release. Opener "Unreal" kicks things off with some funky charm to get those juices flowing. The groove-orientated guitar lines accompany the sweet vocals that intertwine to create a spark for the remainder of this debut. Click below to watch the video for "Unreal" Next up is "Unremembered" with an unforgettable performance from Von Muhlen and Arend. The lead vocals transition with ease alongside surging guitar breaks and phrases that express several emotions at once. This is something often revisited throughout The Right Path ,...